UEFA opens inquiry against Turkey over "soldier salute" performed by its national players
- Sports
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 08:59 | 15 October 2019
- Modified Date: 09:02 | 15 October 2019
UEFA, European football's governing body, launched an investigation on Tuesday against Turkey for a military salute performed by players of its national team.
Turkish National Football Team players did military salutes while celebrating a goal they scored during the UEFA EURO 2020 Qualifiers against Albania in Istanbul, as well as during their match against France in Saint-Denis, in reference to Turkey's anti-terror operation in Syria launched on Oct. 9.
UEFA initiated "disciplinary investigations" for the matches, appointing an inspector with regard to "potential provocative political behaviour," UEFA said in a statement.
During the matches, Turkish players celebrated their goals by a soldier's salute, dedicating their goal to Turkish soldiers currently fighting in northern Syria in the ongoing Operation Peace Spring.